The Borno State Urban Planning and Development Board (BSUPDB) has banned street hawking and other illegal activities in the Maiduguri metropolis.

In a statement on Friday, the general manager of the board, Limán Mustapha, said the ban was in accordance with the Borno State Urban Planning and Development Law of 2002.

He said the board banned street hawking and the operation of tricycle operators and generator mechanics around Maiduguri’s post office and Monday Market areas.

Mr Mustapha said the board also banned any activity on pedestrian walkways, junctions and roundabouts, sale of engine oil on the road reservations, dumbing of sand or building materials and mixing of cement on the roads, and construction of boreholes by the roadsides.

The manager said those affected by the order had been asked to vacate the occupied sites immediately.

“The board has no alternative but to arrest and prosecute defaulters in a court of law,” adding that the measure would ensure a clean, safe and organised urban environment in Maiduguri and other parts of Borno.

He called on residents and business owners to comply with the ban to avoid legal action.

(NAN)